A Study on Comparions of Ice Bag and Heat Lamp for the Relief of Perineal Discomfort

Abstract

Perineal discomfort from episiotomy continues to be a problem for many postpartum women. The purposes of this study were to compare the effect of ice bag and heat lamp for the relief of perineal discomfort and to identify the sustaining time of each effect. Forty women took ice bag and heat lamp with random assignment of initial therapy. Women rated the degree of perineal discomfort before and after each therapy and at half-hour, tow-hour and four-hour intervals after each therapy. A discomfort scale, 18cm graphic rating scale, was used. The results of the study were as follows: 1. The ice bag group showed significantly lower discomfort score than the heat lamp group at the half-hour and two-hour intervals after therapy. 2. The ice bag group showed significantly lower discomfort score for 4hrs after than before therapy, but the heat lamp group did not show significantly lower discomfort score. 3. Neither the type of episiotomy nor the previous experience of heat therapy influenced on the effect of ice bag relieving the perineal discomfort. Therefore ice bag was significantly more effective in relieving perineal discomfort than heat lamp. Subjective responses of patients who took both therapy were very favorable toward ice bag. I suggested that nurses should provide women with adequate information about the use of ice bag and encourage to apply ice bag instead of heat lamp after episiotomy in order to promote the relief of perineal discomfort and the healing of perineal wound.